Once again, it is that time of year. Summer: a time where you can romp and play on the beaches and not worry about a paper being due on a Monday (unless you’re taking summer classes. In which case I wish you the best of luck, you poor SOB). Between the pools, beaches, country music, and being able to roll your windows down along with everything in between, what is there not to enjoy about summer? I encourage you to take charge of your time off during this break.

Ever since I came to college, I have constantly been told that every action of mine has to lead to a future job. Whether it be classes, homework, internships or co-ops, I must be doing something at all times to make myself more appealing to future employers. So I have been. Like most of my fellow students, I constantly find myself run into the ground, staying up late nights to finish assignments, stressing myself out too much and working my ass off to keep my head above the water during the semester. We have to work hard now to get good grades and do a bunch of extra-curricular activities to build up my resume. Hopefully that will get me a job when I graduate. If it does I then must work even harder to build up my career and move forward to excel in the things I love and get better positions, etc. And then… just keep doing that, I guess?

Where is the time to have adventures? To have personal time to myself so I don’t completely snap? (I can tell you I’m already pretty close to that.) And what about any kind of social life? Hobbies? Family? Sick days? The list goes on.

I’m not completely disagreeing with this way of thinking. College is a time for many things, one of the biggest does includes working your absolute ass off to -hopefully- ensure yourself a bright future. For many of you, this is your last summer before adult world takes over completely and summer means nothing more than sweating as you walk into work. Or, on the opposite end, maybe you’re a freshman and this is your first summer in college. They fly by and next thing you know your summer is booked with work or more classes and there is limited time for fun, so make it count. What do you plan on doing to make the most of it?

Make a bucket list for you and maybe a few friends to complete by the end of this summer. Nothing too absolutely insane, but something fun you’ve always wanted to do before life could get in the way. Go on, get out a pen and paper. I’ll wait. (This is the part where you take a few minutes to ponder over your deepest desires whilst I sip some coffee and make my own summer bucket list.)

If you’re stuck, here are a few of mine:

1. Skydiving.

This is the most expensive one on my list and also one I have been saying I’ll do since I turned 18.

2. Spontaneous trip.

Who knows when, where to, who with or how long. I’m just gonna go.

3. Watch the sun rise and sunset at least once.

Something simple and peaceful to do. Just pick a nice, secluded spot, pack some snacks and enjoy the view.

4. Have a cook out with my friends.

Once again, something simple but fun.

5. Hike a new part on the Appalachian Trail.

As someone who loves nature and hiking especially, there are certain parts of the AT I have hiked several times because they are within a bearable distance. My new goal is to hike a section that is new to me.

Hopefully you can think of a few things to do this summer that you will enjoy. You worked hard this year, so enjoy your break. See you in the fall.